Why is it that a single word like “herd” can apply to many different species of hoofed animals? I mean, whether it’s elk, deer, moose or cattle, “herd” is the word! Not so with our feathered friends, though. No, that would be much too simple! “But, Peggy”, you say, “isn’t it a ‘flock’ of birds”? Well… yes and no.

The most important thing I’ve learned from my years of trying to master Spanish is that English is hard! We have a unique word for everything! Take “flock” for instance. When applied generically, it’s probably accurate. BUT… if you’re talking about Owls, then it’s “Parliament”. Actually, I like that one. You want your lawmakers to be wise, so why not drive home the point with a little linguistic coupling of institution and symbolism in nature? Doesn’t the image of a Parliament full of Wise Old Owls make you feel more confident in your government, assuming you’re British? Somehow, Congress of Owls doesn’t inspire the same level of comfort. Rather, I imagine a bunch of senile Old Coots asking, “Who? Who?”

And how about a Host of Sparrows? Do you get an image of gracious entertainment from those little hyperactive hoppers? Well, okay, I guess I’ve been to parties like that. But, I defy you to find the logic in Cast of Falcons (are they good actors?), Descent of Woodpeckers (going downhill rapidly?), Tiding of Magpies (purveyors of good cheer?), or Mustering of Storks (the militants!… maybe it should be a “Diapering”!).

Stand of Flamingos, Charm of Hummingbirds and Ballet of Swans seem redundant, as do Ostentation of Peacocks and Murmuration of Starlings (I SWEAR I’m not making any of this up!). And what Edgar Allen Poe fan cannot relate to Murder of Crows or Conspiracy of Ravens? But some of these monikers just beg for parody. “Party of Jays! Party of Jays! Your table is ready!”

So, I leave you with a few more to consider and come up with your own theories (there WILL be a quiz later): Covey of Quail, Exaltation of Larks, Pitying of Turtledoves, Watch of Nightingales (why do I picture them wearing kilts?), and last-but-not-least Gaggle of Geese (what, exactly, IS a “gaggle”, anyway?).

And, one final matter for you to ponder: What’s the difference between a “flock” of sheep, and a “herd” of sheep? Huh? Explain THAT one!!!